Lake County Metra board director Bush steps down

Metra Director Melinda Bush of Grayslake has resigned from the agency’s board after serving nearly two years of a four-year term.

Bush, a former state senator, did not give a reason for her exit but said she was “incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” in a letter Friday to Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, who will select her replacement.

Bush’s departure comes as Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority stare down a massive budget shortfall in 2026 triggered by a pandemic drop in ridership.

Related legislation is percolating in the General Assembly to merge the three agencies and the Regional Transportation Authority into a mega-organization, but the outcome is uncertain.

“The next year will be challenging as the General Assembly seeks to find solutions for public and regional transportation in Illinois. I hope they are visionaries,” Bush wrote.

She was appointed in February 2023 and her resignation is effective Jan. 3, 2025.

Lake County residents interested in the job may submit a resume, letter of interest and recommendations to countyboardoffice@lakecountyil.gov by Jan. 17.

Metra’s board consists of 11 directors appointed by the board chairs of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, the mayor of Chicago and suburban members of the Cook County Board.